To Naeswari, her new school and her new home were no different. This place made Naes uncomfortable beneath the gazes of creatures that seemed to want to talk to her.
Her introductions to her classmates were brief. They were just like her friends at her previous school.
"I'd rather stay here," she told herself.
In the corner of the cafeteria, Naeswari sat alone with her head bowed, occasionally glancing at the book in her lap. Her fingers nervously played with the edge of a page, trying to remain calm despite the discomfort that had haunted her since morning.
A group of students approached her, curiosity written across their faces.
"Hey, Naeswari, is it true you live in that house on the hill?" Rina leaned forward.
Naeswari merely raised her eyebrows slightly, then gave a faint smile. Her hands trembled as she slowly closed her book.
"Yeah, I live there," Naeswari replied flatly.
"Seriously, isn't it creepy? A lot of people say that house is haunted." Doni moved closer and sat beside Naeswari, folding his arms across his chest.
Naeswari swallowed, unable to focus her eyes. She felt a chill run through her body, even though the afternoon sun was blazing. She knew she couldn't tell the truth. She chose to answer briefly.
"It's nothing special," Naeswari replied, staring straight ahead.
Rina and Doni exchanged glances, unsatisfied with her answer.
"Come on, you don't have to lie. You've definitely seen some weird stuff, right?" Rina asked with a half-mocking smile.
Naeswari gripped the book tightly in her hands. Her body tensed. She lowered her head slightly, her black hair falling across part of her face. She didn't want to talk about anything related to her special ability. Her heart pounded, as if urging her to get up and leave.
"I'm not lying." Naeswari's voice was soft but firm.
As the tension began to rise, approaching footsteps could be heard. Abimana, a male student who rarely spoke, stood before them. His sharp eyes fixed on Rina and Doni.
"Enough. Leave her alone. If you don't know what really happened, you'd better keep quiet."
His tone was flat but sharp. He stepped closer and stared firmly at both of his classmates. He stood straight with his arms crossed over his chest, his gaze piercing.
Rina and Doni were startled, staring at Abimana in confusion.
"We were just asking, Bi," Rina replied with a pout.
"If you were just asking, you wouldn't have to pressure her. You don't know what she's been through," Abimana said, looking at them coldly as he slipped his hands into his trouser pockets.
Naeswari raised her head and looked at Abimana, who now stood beside her. There was something in his voice that made her feel a little relieved. She hadn't expected anyone to defend her, especially someone she'd only met that morning.
"Okay, relax. Come on, Rin, let's go." Doni shrugged and got up from his chair.
Rina and Doni left, muttering under their breath. Abimana remained there, watching them until they were truly gone. Then he turned and looked at Naeswari. His sharp eyes now appeared gentler.
"Are you okay?" Abimana asked in a low voice.
"Thank you," Naeswari whispered, nodding softly, her lips forming a faint smile that was almost impossible to see.
Abimana simply nodded, then left without saying anything else. Naeswari watched his back as he walked away, feeling the weight in her chest ease a little. Though he didn't say much, Abimana's presence gave Naeswari the strength to endure at her new school.
Yet in her heart, Naeswari knew this was only the beginning. She might not be able to hide the secrets of that house—and of herself—forever.